How to Troubleshoot My Spa?
Encountering issues with your spa can be frustrating, but many common problems have simple solutions. This guide delves into common spa issues and offers practical tips to fix them effectively. Whether it's malfunctioning jets, a noisy pump, cold water, or weak water flow, understanding how to troubleshoot these issues can enhance your spa experience and extend its lifespan.
1. Faulty Jets
Jets are a desirable and relaxing spa feature that most people associate with feeling in a spa. Kids usually find them to be the most exciting aspect of spa use. If you notice that your jets are not functioning properly, it could be due to one of the following:
Debris & Clogs
The most frequent issue with spas is obstructing or blocking airflow through jets. Calcium buildup is the usual suspect in this case, but it's always best to ensure that your jets are fully open and free of any debris. After that, refill your spa water and clean the filter. As an additional precaution, we suggest checking all spa plumbing for any clogs.
Potential Air Lock
If you have recently refilled your spa and are experiencing a problem with airlock, here is what you can do to try and resolve the issue. Firstly, try turning your spa jets on and off a few times. If this doesn't do the trick, try to loosen the top fitting on your pump until you hear air or see water escape. Once you have done this, tighten the fitting again. This should help clear out any trapped air and get your spa back up and running.
Note: We do not recommend using a plunger to attempt DIY repairs on your spa, as it can damage your spa and void your warranty.
2. Noisy Spa Pump
If your spa pump is making a lot of noise, it can cause damage to your spa and ruin the relaxing experience you want. There are two types of sounds you should listen for - a growling or grumbling noise or a high-pitched squeal. If you hear either of these sounds, it's likely that there's a problem with your spa pump.
Growling Noise
If you hear growling or grumbling noises from your spa, it could be a sign of a problem with your pump's water flow. Often, the cause of this issue is clogs in your circulation system. To fix this problem, check to make sure all valves near your pump are open and that your spa water is filled to the appropriate level to ensure sufficient water flow.
Squealing Noise
This sound is typically caused by faulty bearings in your spa pump. Although the sound may be unpleasant, you can still use your spa safely. However, the noise will only get worse over time. To address the issue, you can lubricate the bearings to reduce the sound temporarily. However, it is recommended that the circulation pump be replaced at some point in the future.
3. Cold Spa Water
If your spa water is cold, no one would like to jump into it unless it is the middle of the day and the temperature is around 40 degrees. Firstly, you should check the water level and then look for any clogs in the circulation system. You should also clean or replace your filter. If the problem persists, try turning off and on the heater breaker or press the reset button on the heater. It is possible that the heater may have switched off due to overheating or air trapped in the lines. Resetting the heater should start it up again.
If your spa water is cold, it may be due to an airlock, which can happen when you refill the spa. We will discuss airlocks in more detail below.
If you have gone through the troubleshooting steps and still have no heat, it is likely that the heating element is faulty. This is usually a more technical task and should be performed by a local technician.
4. Weak or Low Water Flow
Weak or low water flow is another common issue with residential spas and is generally related to one of the following:
Air Lock
As we mentioned above, airlocks can occur in your spa's plumbing lines after refilling it. This happens when air enters the system and prevents water from flowing normally. To fix an airlock, first, turn off your spa system. Then, locate the small bleed screws at the end of the pump and open them to let the air out. You may also find screws on top of the pump. Make sure to tighten all the screws firmly before turning your spa back on to check if the water flow has returned to normal.
Faulty Pump
Your spa pump plays a crucial role in circulating water throughout your spa, including the plumbing. If you notice that the pump is not running, you can use a multimeter to test if it's receiving power. However, if the pump is still not running even after receiving power, it may require professional repair or replacement. This issue should be addressed promptly to avoid any electrical hazards in the future.
Note: Water and electricity are deadly when mixed, so we always recommend contacting experts if working with electricity.
Filter Problems
If your water filter is past due for a wash or has become completely worn out, it can directly affect the flow of water. So, it's important to check your filter for any abnormalities and clean it if necessary. Over time, you may notice signs of wear and tear, which means you might need to replace the filter.
Low Water Level
Low water levels can cause a decrease in water flow, which is a common issue. It is important to have enough water for the water flow to be sufficient, and it is a matter of simple math. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to solve. Just fill up your spa with water and run a test to see if the issue is resolved.
If you are experiencing problems with your spa that are not mentioned above, we recommend connecting with a spa expert near you using our Dealer Locator.
